President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to make his last working tour of Kisumu on Monday and Tuesday to launch several projects.
Kenyatta whose term comes to an end next week is expected to land in the lakeside county on Monday.
The President will then board the Nairobi-Kisumu train at Muhoroni before launching the new railway station.
On Tuesday, Uhuru will oversee the official commissioning of the Kisumu Shipyards Limited at the Kisumu pier.
He is also expected to oversee the floatation of the MV Uhuru II ship which is nearing completion.
The ship, one of the largest on Lake Victoria waters, will build capacity for Kenya Railways cargo unit.
It will be shipping goods from the Kisumu port to neighboring countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC.
Built at a cost of Sh2.4 billion, the ship will have a capacity of 1,800 tones and will also compliment MV Uhuru I built in 1966.
This is as Kenya positions itself to tap into the potential of lake transport and blue economy.
Being the first ship to be constructed and locally assembled in the country, it will be giving the country a great milestone.
According to the Kenya Shipyard Limited, assembling the ship locally has saved the Kenyan taxpayers Sh1.3 billion an amount that would have been used for imports.
During his December visit to the lakeside city, Uhuru said shipbuilding will help unlock the country's immense potential in the ocean and blue economy.
"The key sub-sectors of the blue economy, which include maritime transport and logistics, fisheries, as well as shipbuilding and repair, represent low-hanging fruits that must be exploited,” the President said.
The President's visit has generated a lot of excitement amongst residents, because of his support for Azimio Raila Odinga presidential bid.
Uhuru who is the chairman of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition is expected to drum up support for Raila as campaigns for the general election hit homestretch.
Residents who spoke to the Star, said they expect Kenyatta to use his legacy projects to boost Raila's bid.
Kepher Otieno a businessman said they are happy that Uhuru has revived the old railway transport services.
"He revived the Kisumu Port, built market sheds and constructed a number of major roads which will create wealth and employment opportunities as well as enhancing Transportation," he said.
Otieno said they further expect the President to launch other pending projects in Nyanza to spur development growth.
Evans Owino said they expect some political fireworks from President Uhuru and his plans with their son in the remaining days.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
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